Virgin Media price increases: What are my options?

Which Virgin Media customers are affected?

This depends on the type of price increase, which we go through below.

Annual price increases

This is one of the most common reasons for a telecoms price increase: a yearly price rise. It may stay in line with inflation, or could be a full re-jig of the provider’s prices.

It can be anything from pennies to several pounds, and can occur whether you’re still within contract or not. This is allowed under consumer rights law, and is often only a small amount – though sometimes it’s much larger.

If you aren’t happy with the increase, you may have the right to cancel with Virgin Media. Many broadband contracts include a stipulation that allows the provider to increase prices annually.

As a result, it's important to check your contract, as you may find that you have a right to cancel even if you're still within the minimum terms. If so, you’ll have 30 days to cancel from the day Virgin Media first informs you of the increase.

Out-of-contract price increases

Another very common price increase. With a lot of broadband and TV deals, you sign up for a minimum contract length, with the promise that you’ll pay a discounted price each month for that time. Then, when the minimum term comes to an end, the monthly price is hiked up.

These can be quite hefty increases – sometimes even doubling what you pay per month.

The good news is that by definition, you’re out of contract. So you’re free to sign up to a new one if you aren’t happy with the out-of-contract price.

That could be from a new provider, or it could even be with Virgin Media again – you can contact them to see if you can haggle a new, cheaper contract.

Most importantly, if you do decide to switch, you won't have to pay any early exit fees, and you can take advantage of the exclusive deals and free gifts typically offered to new customers. You can compare broadband deals from a range of providers using our tool below:

What can customers do, and what are your consumer rights?

Chances are you can cancel your subscription if you’d prefer to, though you may need to act fast. It comes down to one question…

Are you out of contract?

If the answer is yes, you’re free to cancel Virgin Media and switch broadband providers whenever you like, without penalty.

If you’d rather stick with Virgin, you can contact them and haggle. They’re usually happy to put you on a new contract with better prices.

Just bear in mind that this means signing a brand new contract with them, which locks you in for a longer period. And it may not be the cheapest or best broadband/TV option available to you right now – you can use our broadband and TV comparison tool to find out.

If the answer is no, you have 30 days to cancel your contract without penalty. That 30 days begins when Virgin Media first informs you of the price increase.

To cancel, get in touch with Virgin Media – see below for contact details.

And if you go ahead and cancel, you’ll need a new broadband or TV package. Compare broadband and TV deals with our comparison tool to find the best one for you.

How to contact Virgin Media

You can get help from Virgin Media in several different ways:

• Customer service helpline: 0345 454 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-6pm), or 150 from a Virgin Media landline or Virgin Mobile

• Virtual assistant: Found on Virgin Media's website, you can use its Virtual Assistant service for any quick queries

• Online: You can check out Virgin media's help pages on its 'Contact Us' page

• App: You can install the 'My Virgin Media' app onto your phone, where you can manage your account and find the help you need